#endalz – Run Read Repeat

Chicago Marathon 2022 in comparison to NYC 2021

Marathon training is time consuming. A fall marathon, combined with the start of school, a busy fall for work and the Jewish Holidays…exhausting. Literally in the week leading up to race day I was more concerned about getting everything done and less concerned about actually running the marathon. Well that and whether we could all stay healthy to travel to Chicago. Crazy, right??

Unlike New York, I am not as familiar with the city of Chicago. Jeffrey and I had been to visit for a long weekend, but that was more than ten years ago. The boys were excited to do some sightseeing- the Willis Tower and the Bean. Jeffrey and I were excited for dinner at the Chop House. We were able to accomplish all of those things on Friday and Saturday. Race day was Sunday morning. While each race stands on its own, I would be remiss if I didn’t do a little comparing and contrasting the two experiences. NY is unique in the fact that everyone who is running needs to get to Staten Island before the race starts. That makes for an extra early morning and a lot of sitting around waiting to start! While I didn’t realize it at the time, it caused me to really under eat breakfast in 2021 and I was cognizant of that going into Chicago in 2022.

While I ran for the Alzheimer’s Association both times, in 2021 we were not quite “out of Covid” yet. So many of the perks of running for a team weren’t present. In Chicago it was amazing to be part of the team. We had a team lunch the day before. It really helped build a sense of community. Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association had a hospitality suite directly across from the start/finish area of the marathon. This is a HUGE amenity. It meant staying inside, eating my hot oatmeal until about 45 minutes before I had to be in my corral to start the race vs. 5 hours in the cold in Staten Island. To start the race I was more fresh- Jeff and the boys had a home base to start from and return to as well. This in and of itself was a huge game changer in the experience.

As I eluded to above, I was BUSY leading up to race day. So much so, that I did’t mind the taper like I normally do because it gave me more time to work. Being busy was apparently a good distraction. Overall throughout the training process I stayed healthy. No major complaints of pain, other than my one calf, which corrected itself with a little rest. All this to say, while tired I was feeling physically up to the challenge of running 26.2 miles. I was mentally prepared to go the distance as well. While I kept saying, this was going to be my last marathon…the pressure of training feeling like a lot…I also registered for the London lottery before going to Chicago. No way of making sense of that logic other than if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be.

Similar to in NY, Jeffrey, the boys and I walked the finish line area as best we could the day before. Having a visual is helpful to me. I was so pleased to see that where I would exit Grant Park was right across the street from the Alzheimer’s hotel. That I would have the ability to decompress, change and then walk the mile or so to our hotel. A difference from NY and Chicago- Jeff and the boys were going to be on the course at mile 20.5. After mile twenty it’s tough. Truth be told, in NY it was before mile 20 that got tough for me. So I thought it would be great to have them there to give me a push for the last six miles or so.

The weather was perfect on race day. Cool. Dry. It was in the 40s to get started. My favorite running temperature. I kept repeating to myself…do no go out too hard…do not go out too hard. I honestly tried my very best not to do it. But with the cooler temperatures and feeling so good, I went out a little aggressive. Not as aggressive as I did in NY but aggressive nonetheless. I was pacing for 4:10 for the first 18-20 miles. The miles felt like they were flying by. That was even with a bathroom stop at mile 5. I was feeling good….until I like so many others hit the walk right around mile 21. I didn’t realize how much seeing Jeffrey and the boys was motivating me. Then once I saw them it as like the wheels kind of came off the cart. My stomach was also not feeling the best. I don’t think it was the Maurten gels, because I trained with them. I think it was the Gatorade, which I also trained with but somehow the combination wasn’t sitting so well with me. It’s possible I was taking in too much fluid? I’m not quite sure. But I stopped taking Gatorade and only took water. I started walking the water stops. I knew I was going to finish, but I also knew I needed to be real about the time it was going to take me, enjoy the experience and realize that I was running a damn marathon.

Anyone remember when I went to run NYC me saying I was a one and done marathoner? I just wanted to run NY and I was going to be happy. I ran NY in 4:18:55. I was chasing 4:00. I was delusional. 1) It’s a hilly course and 2) my 4:07:29 virtual marathon wasn’t really 4:07 it was 4:26:27. 4:07:29 was my moving time. I stopped my watch when I refreshed my water or stopped for the restroom. I was’t thinking about the 4:26:27 elapsed time, I was just thinking about the 4:07 time. So 4:00 would have been stretch- but mentally that wasn’t what I was thinking. Mentally, I was beating myself up, when in reality my 4:18:55 was a marathon PR on a very difficult course. I let my frustration take away from the fun of the experience, which is what led me to register for Chicago on the way home. I felt like I had to prove something to myself…but it wasn’t getting a particular time…it was that I could run the race and make the most of the experience no matter what the time. I vacillated in the days leading up to Chicago about pacing. Did I want to pace for a 4:20 or a 4:10? If I paced for 4:10 was I setting myself up for frustration like last year. I train solo. While I enjoyed running with a pace group last year for the first half of the race, did it cause me to push myself too much too soon? I had read all about how my GPS would be all confused to start Chicago so would I even know what pace I was running if I paced myself?? These were all real and actual thoughts as I got my head in the game. So what was the answer?? There was no 4:10 or 4:20 pace group in my corral. Options?? I change corrals or I pace myself. I’m not big on changing flights or plans. I was in a particular corral for a reason and that was where I was going to run. So yes, I was going to pace myself. There were temporary tattoos at the expo with the pace times. I had 4:10 on my left arm and 4:20 on my right arm. For the majority of the race I was pacing 4:10. Too aggressive? Maybe, but I felt good. And when I started to fell less good this time around it wasn’t nearly as bad as NY nor was it for nearly as long. I consider that a huge improvement.

Mentally, I was running MY race. While there was incredible crowd support, I listened to music the whole time. I was focused internally on feeling my best and not getting caught up in expectations. Yes, I hit the wall. I started doing a little run, walk, run walk for a mile or two between 22 and 25. But I knew I was going to finish. Funny thing, I texted the whole race with Jeffrey. In the beginning as a distraction to try to slow myself down. Then for logistics on where to find them specifically on the course so I didn’t miss them. Then as they made their way back to the start/finish area. All the time, he was offering positive reinforcement. Telling me at the end I was moving too quickly for them to see me another time. I felt like I was moving anything but fast. Why do I share all this, because who texts during a marathon?? Apparently, I do. And it made the experience that much better. The reminder that I had it. The reinforcement of I was running a marathon and ultimately the time I crossed the line was secondary. The encouragement to just enjoy the experience. The support throughout the entire process that he provides is amazing. I am truly blessed.

Time for the finish. I knew I was a bit slower than my NY time. I didn’t yet realize that I was faster than my virtual marathon time. I had enough in the tank to pick things up for the final mile. To relish the fact that I was about to finish my second World Major Marathon in less than a year, while working full time and having two kids. I ran hard to the finish- huge smile on my face because I knew I had done it! Whether this is my last marathon…or not I know I did the best I could do. And I was so happy to cross the finish line!

Looks like the face of someone who isn’t done running marathons. Just saying.

I made my way to Alzheimer’s hospitality area where I was greeted with big hugs and kisses. My gang was so proud of me! I was proud of me. I took advantage of a sports massage, changing out of my shoes and a moment to collect myself before we made the walk back to the hotel. Another important point of comparison- it was only 12:30. We had the entire rest of the day. My wave in Chicago started at 8:00 a.m. allowing me to be done by midday. In NY I didn’t start until 10:40. By the time I got back to the hotel it was dinner time. This also made a huge difference. Plus this time I got a break before heading back to the hotel and got to walk with Jeffrey and the boys. Overall, I was sore, but it was manageable. Heck, the boys little legs had gone 9 miles that day and they were tired too.

The days after the marathon are a process of mentally decompressing from the anticipation of running and the exertion on the body. Other than my quads feeling particularly sore, I felt great. By midweek steps were no longer a challenge and by Thursday I had marathon amnesia and was thinking that wasn’t so bad, I could do that again. All kidding aside, I’m truly amazed at the body’s ability to push itself so hard and to recover. I thought for sure, I would totally crash afterwards, but my immune system must be at peek performance because I managed to stay healthy. I’m truly grateful for all who supported this journey, listened to me talk about the training and the race itself. What’s next? Time will tell. But Jackson did want to known “so what marathon are WE doing next?” Love how marathon running has become a family affair.

Chicago Marathon 2022- Training Weeks 1-4

Holy cow- how is it time to start marathon training again?? Truth be told I’m much happier when I’m in a training cycle. I enjoy the structure. This comes as no surprise to anyone who knows me since I’m pretty regimented and particular. I haven’t really been in a training cycle since I trained for NYC. While I ran a few other races in the Spring I didn’t formally train. So here we go- Marathon training cycle number 3. Three summer/early fall training cycles at what starts as the quiet part of the year and as the miles build up becomes one of the craziest, busiest times of the year. Back to school, holidays, birthdays and for the last two cycles balancing a full time job. I’m so fortunate to have the support of my husband along the way to encourage me and help cover the boys especially when the training runs get longer- but there’s also their enthusiasm that keeps me going. Goal- stay healthy and injury free. Less focus on time, more focus on enjoying the experience and finishing the race.

Week 1- July 18-24

I have followed my friend Suzy Goodwin’s training plan with each and every race that I have run. When you have a flexible system that works- you do it! I love the flexibility of having one key run and a mileage goal for the week. It means that I can get the miles done any way that works best for me. And that was certainly the case with this first week of training. This week was my youngest’s birthday and we were leaving extra early on Sunday morning to go to Legoland with the boys. So I had a birthday, birthday party and one morning I knew I couldn’t run to negotiate around. Additionally, while I had been building my mileage back up, I haven’t hit 24 miles in a week in quite some time. The beginning of the week (M-W) I ran 3.5 or so miles each morning. Nothing fantabulous. On Thursday morning, I thought I had enough time to inflate the birthday banner and run. I was wrong. So it turned into a rest day. I had some flexibility on time on Friday because my husband could drop the boys off at camp and I took advantage of it. I ran 10 miles on Friday in 3 chunks. 20 minute Peloton on demand class. Breakfast with the boys. 20 minute live Peloton class. Boys off to camp. Followed by an hour Peloton class on demand. See…that flexibility enabled me to get my key run a 10K and a chunk oof miles done on Friday. Allowing me to only run 3.35 on Saturday and have Sunday off. First week in the books. Feeling good.

Week 2- July 25-31

Week two coming in hot. Monday we were still in Legoland. The indoor fitness center left a bit to be desired and there wasn’t really anywhere to get any solid miles in. That and the four hour drive and eight hours in the park the day before might have left me a little tired. But again, flexibility in the training plan allowed me to not freak out about missing a day. The key run for week two is 8 miles with 24 overall miles. Again, as I was still easing into increased miles I kept my runs doing the week to a 5K each morning Tuesday-Friday. Saturday morning I ran 8.64 miles. Checking off my key run and inching me closer to my overall mileage. Alas, I finished the week at 21.14 miles a bit short of the 24 but overall I felt good and knowing I’m hitting the longer runs I’m not concerned about not quite hitting 24 miles for the week.

Week 3 August 1-7

Weekly mileage increases this week…and at the end of the week we are leaving for vacation. Translation- if I’m gong to run on Saturday. It’s going to have to be early and it’s not going to be more than three miles or so. I’m starting to feel much stronger in my runs. Yay!! I hoped that would come as I was consistently running more miles, but you never know. Key effort this week is speed work (800 x 4) with overall mileage of 26. PS camp is also over so I’m working some days at home to be home with the boys. Lots of things happening all at the same time. Monday and Tuesday 3.11 miles each. Wednesday I was able to take a live Peloton class early in the morning and get my key run done. Speed work is my least favorite. I can do it. But it’s not my cup of tea and it generally makes my body sore. This is the case every training cycle. I get through some of the weeks with speed work before I have to drop the spadework and just focus on the miles. But I crushed my spadework this week. The next day I was a little bit sore, but manageable. As is always the case my right hip is starting to be a bit tender. I really need to get back to strength and core training to help keep everything in alignment. But, that pesky hand injury has been preventing me from lifting. Wednesday and Thursday saw 4.5 miles. Friday I pushed to get 6.13 miles done, leaving 3.15 miles and live Peloton class at 6:00 a.m. before leaving for vacation. Yup, I’m crazy. So I finished the week with 24.57 miles. You’ll notice that’s about 1.5 miles short of the 26 mile goal…but I’ll take it. Speed work done. Feeling good. Miles increasing. Week three is in the books!

Week 4- August 8-14

While vacation brings more potential time for running it is also a bit harder because I just want to spend time with my family and feel bad carving out that time for running. That and if I don’t have to get up extra early for a week it feels like a blessing. Sunday was a rest day- well because it was a rest day and I enjoyed a little extra sleep. Monday should have been a run day. But we were horseback riding that morning and I just wasn’t motivated to run beforehand. Key run this week is 10 miles and 26 overall miles. Tuesday was a good day for a longer run because we didn’t have an activity until 11:00. I wasn’t quite sure what I was planning for mileage wise when I hit the treadmill. I knew I would start with 45 minutes and go from there. After two days of rest I was feeling solid so I ran for 75 minutes and 8 miles. Not quite 10 but if you can run 8, you can run 10. Wednesday, I didn’t have quite as much time but got in 45 minutes and another 5 miles. Thursday was for kayaking so I didn’t run. Friday morning, back at it for 45 minutes and another 5 miles. Saturday was a travel day. Yes, I could have gotten 3 or so miles in that morning, but I could also sleep a little bit later and I opted for sleep. I knew that meant I would have 8 miles on Sunday morning to get my mileage goal. I started with 45 minutes and 5 miles and then added another 30 adding a total of 8.08 to my overall mileage. So I met my mileage goal, but you say I didn’t run a 10 miler. Eight is close enough. This week I was more focused on hitting the miles, while still enjoying vacation. It was a win. Still no major complaints. I actually felt really strong this week. I imagine a little extra sleep and vacation will do that! First month of training— DONE!

Why do I blog about my training weeks? I learn something from each training cycle and it allows me to look back to see if I’ve felt the same way at the same time in other cycles. Each time I know I need to strength train more, so hopefully this will be the time I actually do it. Eight more weeks to go before I run Chicago in an effort to ENDALZ!

What’s in the length of a string?

Truth be told most books that I read get a quick recap and a note as to whether or not I would recommend the book. I rave about those that I love and enjoy passing them along to others to read. I politely say a book wasn’t quite my taste, while hoping to not offend the author that I know spent endless hours writing and editing. The Measure, by Nikki Erlick deserves its very own blog post. That should tell you the significance of this book. If you only read one book that I’ve talked ever-about make this the book. It’s not so much about the story (which is great), but more for the thoughts that it provokes while reading. This debut novel by Erlick will get you thinking. Quick recap about the premise of the book…everyone 22 and older receives a box at their front door. Inside they find a string and the length of the string is an indication of the length of their life.

So many thoughts- but first I have to start with to look or not to look?? How do you decide whether or not you want to know when you are going to die? Can you imagine having the chance to know when specifically death was going to come? Not how, but when. How would it alter the way in which you live your life. Would it make you live life more fully or would you be bitter if you were a “short stringer?” Would you quit your job and travel the world? Spend more time with those that you love? Perhaps be kinder to those who you knew had less time left? My first thoughts on to look or not to look are tied to my family history with Alzheimer’s. I couldn’t quite shake that thought throughout the entire book. There are of course genetic tests that can be done to determine if you have the gene for Alzheimer’s. Similar to looking at your string, you can’t unsee the results. Long string…yay life is good. Short string…why is this happening. No different with the genetic testing. No potential likelihood for Alzheimer’s a big cheer. You have the gene- changes the rest of your life. It’s easy to say that you wouldn’t allow the knowledge to consume you, but personally I just don’t know how it wouldn’t have an impact. There was a period of time when I thought I would get the testing. I’m a planner after all and would rather know than not. I could at least make plans for the future. But then there’s a huge part of me who knows that it would be looming in the back of my mind if the results weren’t favorable. So for now, I’ve opted for ignorance is bliss.

Next big thought abut the string length is also directly related to my experience with Alzheimer’s. Long string means a long life, but it doesn’t necessarily mean a long life with a good quality of life. So, is a long string that includes a period of dementia or an illness that limits your quality of life better than a short string with a higher quality of life? I would argue that a short string with a healthy, higher quality of life would be better than a long string. But I imagine there are different opinions as to quality over quantity. I vote for quality every day of the week!

In our house we are always trying to make the most of each day. My mantras for running marathons are “I run for those who can’t” and “I run today because one day I won’t be able.” I would like to think that we are making the most of every without knowing when the end might be coming. Is that not what life is all about? That’s not to say that there aren’t things you have to do before the things you want to do or that it’s fun and games all the time. But that’s also life. There are responsibilities that come with the ability to go and do and explore the world around you.

One last aside, for those who know me, I run in the morning. When I got up this morning I just had to finish The Measure. So I sat on the floor with the Ruby while the rest of the house was asleep. Until my eight year old came into the room, book in hand and asked if he could sit in my lap and read with me. So we read, in a quiet house, while I cried finishing The Measure and I can’t think of a better reason for skipping my morning run.

So I have to know…would you look or tuck your box away and continue with life as though it hadn’t arrive?

Three months to the Chicago Marathon

Three months…90 days until I run my next marathon. I’m really starting to believe that running a marathon is like having a child. Allow me to explain. You find out you are pregnant and you have nervous excitement. The equivalent to I just finished a marathon and I signed up for another on the way home. Nervous excitement. Then there’s some waiting. Similar to a pregnancy there comes that moment of oh wow, this is getting real. That would be today for me. Things are real and rather than start nesting it’s time to get my butt in gear!

So over the last few weeks my running has been really inconsistent. Quite honestly, I was just plain tired. I’ve been sick off and on and gave my body some grace. What started out as giving my body grace turned into a lack of routine, which translated to a lack of consistency, which made it easier to skip another day. Another pregnancy similarity- it’s like I just excited the first trimester and feeling good. Please note this is not some subliminal pregnancy reveal- I just really love the parallelism better the two journeys. Pregnancy is hard on your body and you get an amazing child at the end of the journey. Training and running a marathon is hard on your body- but rewarding in so many ways.

While marathon training doesn’t start until July 18 I had a solid build up week this week. I’ve been running long enough to know if I go from 10-12 mile running weeks to 24 miles I’m going to be sore and run the risk of injury. So after some seriously low mileage weeks I ran just shy of 17 miles this week. Next week I’ll run 20 miles over the course of the week and then I’ll be ready for that first week of training which calls for 24 miles.

Another way marathon training and pregnancy are similar…you need to eat better and get more sleep. While I’ve been keeping my water at 100 or so ounces a day, which if you know me is a major accomplishment. Huge! But overall my eating has been, shall we say- whatever the heck I want. As I sit here sipping my protein shake (thanks Kerry for the push to get back on the shake train!) I know that fueling my body is critical for the added miles and strength training coming my way. There will also be less Prosecco in my future. (See another pregnancy similarity!). But notice, I didn’t say none, just less so I guess it’s a little different. And I just need to get some more sleep. Basically, if I’m going to expect my body to perform and hold up to training cycle and marathon, I need to give it the things it needs- sleep and better nutrition.

This will be my third marathon training cycle. First was during COVID, when I ran a virtual marathon. Feels crazier and crazier every time I think about it. I had the gift of all the time in the world during most of that training cycle because we weren’t going anywhere or doing anything. Second training cycle started right after my Dad died. I had the extra emotional push of channeling my why and the fact that after so much anticipation I was running the NYC Marathon. But that was combined with having gone back to work full time. So far less time for training- but I got it done!! As I contemplate training cycle number three my why remains the same. I run in memory of my Dad and to #endalz. In some respects it is hard to believe that he’s gone nearly a year. The emotion is still raw, but in other ways because of Alzheimer’s I truly lost my Dad, years before. Not that it makes it any easier to fully lose him, but the disease robbed us of quality time together. So when I’m tired or trying to figure out when I’m going to get my next training run in, I did deep and channel my why. While it won’t bring my dad back, it might save another daughter from having to watch the effects of Alzheimer’s on their mom or dad.

Please consider joining me in the effort to end Alzheimer’s….no you don’t have to run…even though I’m trying to put together a running group at work. You can join me by making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in support of my Chicago Marathon run. Together we can end Alzheimer’s!

Stay tuned- a training cycle means more posts. I love keeping track of how I’m feeling during the process so I have something to compare it to next time. That said, I keep sayin Chicago is going to be my last marathon- so maybe the training updates will just be for prosperity?! Time will tell.

Six months to the Chicago Marathon!

Six months from today I will toe the line for my second World Major Marathon and third marathon in two years. When I started running again in February of 2019 I did not see marathons on the horizon. I just saw the chance to go back to something I had enjoyed doing some twenty years prior. My running snowballed quickly and before I knew it marathon running was the answer!n Running has been the right thing, at the right time for me!

Like many runners we register for a new race as soon as we finish a race. For me, on the ride home from the NYC Marathon in November of 2021 I was already planning what was going to be next in my marathon journey. There are plenty of marathons to choose from. It’s not as though the only marathons are the World Majors. But the major marathons allow me to run for the Alzheimer’s Association. They allow each and every training run and the 26.2 miles to be for more than me. I run for those who can’t! I also run because I am blessed to be able to.

Who are the miles for? The miles are for my dad, who lost this fight with Alzheimer’s in August of 2021. But they are also for each and every other family who will hear an Alzheimer’s diagnosis- who will watch a loved one suffer -for every person who yearns for a cure and works toward one every day- for everyone who loses someone to this terrible disease. Making the miles matter is what helps me dig deep on the harder runs and when the going get tough during the course of 26.2 miles. When I reflect back to my NYC Marathon run- I for some reason never doubted that I would finish the marathon. It wasn’t overconfidence- It was more the fact that I had set the goal and I had come to do it. So maybe I was overconfident or maybe I was just being me and doing what I set my mind to do. I kid you not, running a marathon is not a walk in the park. The first half was magical. Around mile 16 things started to get harder. By mile 18 I was kind of questioning my sanity. But with each mile I pushed along. With each mile not only did I know closer to the finish, I knew if I had to I could walk to get to the end. There was a point in the Central Park (probably 2-3 miles to go) when I accidentally called my sister. I actually asked her if she had called me because I didn’t even realize I had called her. My hamstrings hurt so badly and I started to cry because those last miles seemed really LONG! But I can do hard things!! And my pain was temporary. For those with Alzheimer’s there is no finish line. There is no end in sight. So I run through the pain and sometimes the tears…because I can! I will keep running until we find a cure.

At the start of this week I knew the six month mark to marathon day was coming and I began reflecting on what the process would mean this time around. It’s an amazing opportunity to talk about not only doing something but giving financially as well. What I didn’t count on was my eight year old bringing up the conversation with me. His class is participating in The Giving Square. He is learning at school different ways that you can be philanthropic. He was explaining how you can be philanthropic with different parts of your body, i.e. feet, hands, heart. They are taking the idea of doing for others and making it age appropriate so the kids can think about ways they can give back to their communities. He started brainstorming ideas of ways he can be engaged in the community. For example, helping at the farm at school that donates food to the Maryland Food Bank. But the conversation then shifted to how you can combine giving of dollars with doing something. He’s participating in a charity 5K with me in a few weeks. So we were able to talk about how you can fundraise for a charity, while getting out there and doing something like running. Lightbulb moment, he says “like the marathon.” Yes, son just like the marathon. The marathon is more than miles. It’s more than early morning long runs. It’s a giant life lesson on so many levels from being active, to “using your feet to help others” to raising money and giving money to an organization that is meaningful and important.

While I’m doing the running, as a family we are participating and learning from the journey. The boys are already looking forward to going to Chicago. Jeffrey and I are looking forward to taking them to a new city to create memories. I’m looking forward to what will be a flatter 26.2. But I’m also looking to take what I learned in NYC and my training over the next few months to run strong with the ALZ Stars! And to use my son’s lesson from school- I’ll be using my feet and heart to raise awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association!

Why run the Chicago Marathon in 2022?

Why not?? When I registered to run the NYC Marathon in March of 2020 I really had no expectations of what it would mean going forward. I planned to run NYC and hadn’t really given any thought to what would come next. Then what should have been a eight month time period to fundraise for the Alzheimer’s Association and train for my first marathon really became twenty months. In those twenty months a lot changed. Covid hit- the things we or I should say I took for granted changed and we found ourselves enjoying the smaller pleasures in life. The simple things if you will. Quieter times at home with family and/or our pod family. Running took on new meaning. But man, living in pandemic times can be exhausting. Somewhere along the way my running outlet started to feel a little bit like work. The uncertainty of training for races that wouldn’t happen became frustrating. Then my Dad died. And I dug deep to remember why I was running and that it was for more than myself. While I’m reaping the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and setting a good example for my boys, I’m really running for those who can’t and recognize that there will be a day when I can’t so I run while I can.

Training for a marathon takes a lot of time. It’s not so much the weeks of training as it is the hours each week as the mileage really builds. Finding the time when we were still somewhat limited in what we were doing because of Covid was much easier. Come 2021 with work, kids being back to school and a little more “normal” it was a little harder to find the time to train. For me the process is also emotional. I find it truly amazing what we can push our bodies to endure. November of 2021 marked my second full Marathon and first “real” marathon that happened to be one of the major marathons. Go big or go home, right?? I truly had no appreciation for what it mean to run a Major race as my first in person marathon. But once I did I had a whole new appreciation for the fan/crowd support that comes a long with it.

So it would be fitting that on the way home from NY I would start considering what was going to be next. I still had a combination of runner’s high mixed with exhausted body so maybe I should have given myself a little bit of time. But I liken it to giving birth and then immediately saying, sure I can do that again. Maybe it means more because I was still sore and was like I want to do this again! I also felt like I had learned so much from the experience that I had to do it again. I needed to take what I had learned and improve upon it!! My marathon experiences are tied to fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. So my first email was to the contact in Chicago to see if I could run with their team in 2022. I got an immediate response with all the details and began the process. There is something special about running as part of a team. Seeing other in their singlet on race day and knowing that not only do you have the same goal of running 26.2 but also ending Alzheimer’s adds to the camaraderie and excitement of the experience.

Sure, I could run a marathon anywhere- but since this has become a family affair why not take the boys to another fun city?! Will I run another marathon after Chicago? I have no idea. Will I continue to run to #endalz? Most definitely for as long as my body will allow me. And even when I can’t run, I’ll continue to raise awareness and dollars for this important cause.

From the smallest to the largest marathon- no two 26.2 mile races are the same

As I approached 40 I caught the marathon bug. 2020 was the year that I was going to run the NYC Marathon. The biggest, greatest, marathon of all marathons. A classic if you will. March 8, 2020 I registered to run as part of the Alzheimer’s Association team, in honor of my Dad who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Two short weeks later COVID-19 began to impact the United States and the world more profoundly. Everyday life as we knew it had changed. Slowly but surely all races were beginning to be canceled- by June the 2020 NYC Marathon was like all others and it too was canceled. As was the case with many runners, I grieved the lack of racing opportunities, but this one hit hard. For a variety of reasons I was determined to run a marathon in 2020- big birthday around the corner, the 50th running of the marathon and I wasn’t sure my Dad would live to see November 2021 and wanted him to know that I had accomplished this bucket list item in his honor. I had two choices- pout that I wasn’t going to be running five bridges and boroughs in 2020 or do something about it. Despite the marathon being canceled I continued my fundraising and I decided to start my training cycle with the goal of running the Virtual NYC Marathon. I knew that with every training cycle I learned something new, so having a dress rehearsal if you will before the “real deal” seemed like a reasonable backup plan. Everyone says, be sure to carefully select that first marathon experience. Look for great crowd support- a course that will help you to go the distance. My first marathon was anything but- I ran in loops from my house. My crowd support consisted of some deer, squirrels and the guys taking down trees in my yard, until mile 20 or so when my family/friends came out to give me the final push to go the distance. While this was far from the NYC experience of running a marathon, I controlled a lot of the factors that you don’t get to control when running a major marathon. I slept in my own bed the night before. I was able to get up when I wanted and eat my normal breakfast. I listened to NY, NY by Frank Sinatra with my boys and hit the road. I didn’t listen to music. I didn’t have loud crowds cheering me on. Instead, I listened to an audio book and ran my solo 26.2. For what will likely be the only time I broke the tape that my then 5 and 7 year old children created as I crossed the home made finish line completing my first marathon. While I was initially disappointed that NYC didn’t happen, I honestly wouldn’t change a thing about this first marathon experience. Not many people can say they finished their first marathon in front of their home with their family and friends around them.

LIke many others when given the choice of my future guaranteed entry I selected 2021 as my first choice. Truth be told, I didn’t really think there was a chance of the marathon going off in 2021. So much felt unsettled at the time of making my election. However, I knew that I wanted the chance to run the 50th NYC marathon. I would still have the chance to do it during my 40th birthday year. But, as I suspected, I lost my dad a few months before the marathon and instead of running in his honor, I ran in his memory. This added to the meaning of the run.

As the date got closer, I was cautiously optimistic that the marathon would happen. For a long time, I was afraid to get my hopes up because I didn’t want to be disappointed by another canceled race. But this was the real deal and it was going to happen!! In contrast to my solo run, I spent the days leading up to the marathon taking in the sights with my family. We had the perfect few days of enjoying great meals, seeing the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Central Park Zoo. The weather was perfect. I was so distracted by making sure everyone had what they needed for the morning of the race- proper layers, snacks, and knowing how to get to the grandstand, that I lost track of the fact that I was about to run the biggest race of my life. I started the day by walking down Fifth Avenue to the bus to Staten Island. It was truly surreal. Crisp. Quiet for NY but not truly silent. As the city never really sleeps. Busses were lined up for blocks to take the runners to the base of the Verrazano Bridge. Fortunately, I made friends waiting in line who helped to pass the several hours we waited before our start time. While it was cold waiting in the start village (I knew that would make for the best running weather)- the time passed quickly sitting along the Verrazano Bridge, taking in the people, the sights and trying to settle my nerves. The energy was high and before I knew it I was making my way to the starting corral. On the top level of the Verrazano Bridge I stood in awe- thinking of all the times I had driven over the bridge, never once thinking that I would run across it. How would I describe the experience?? Intense. There is such a buzz at the start of the marathon where there are no spectators but all the runners are so excited. Once we crossed the bridge there were spectoros, music and excitement for miles. The only other really quiet stretch was the Queensboro Bridge. But then you have the spectators waiting on First Avenue to cheer you on. I’m still amazed at how many volunteers and spectators gave of their time that day to make the race possible. I wore a bib with my name on it and it was as though the spectators knew when I needed a boost and would call out my name.

I like to think of my two marathon experiences as my first marathon and my first “real” marathon. Trust me, anyone knows that 26.2 whether you do it alone or with 30,000 people is a marathon. But there is no describing the energy felt for the 26.2 in NY. In NY I was running as part of a community. When I ran alone it was a very personal experience. It was something I had to do for me. In NY it’s as though the entire city was cheering me to the finish. The sense of community with the runners, many of whom had been waiting two years like me to run in NYC was profound. But one thing remained the same- my husband and boys were there at the end. No, we weren’t in front of our house and they didn’t get to squirt me with water guns like in 2020, but when we called out to each other and locked eyes it was like no one else was there as I crossed the finish line of my first “real” marathon in the greatest city in the world!

2021- TCS New York City Marathon in Review

For two years I had been mentally preparing to run the NYC Marathon. Fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor/memory of my dad. For the three months prior I was focused on my training plan and staying healthy, all while being just a little bit afraid the race would get canceled. Then Chicago and Boston both successfully happened and I felt comfortable that New York would happen too. We had turned the trip to the marathon into an extended family weekend. We had quality family time leading up to the race- hitting all the highlights. We saw the Empire State Building, Statute of Liberty and even enjoyed the sea lion show in the Central Park Zoo. We caught up with friends and had dinner at some of our favorite places. Quite honestly worrying about all the logistics of the weekend combined with having fun with frineds really kept me from thinking about the fact that I was about to run the biggest race of my life. That at 40 years old I was going to stand on top of the Verrazano Bridge and run the NYC Marathon. Even I still can’t believe this happened.

Did you even run if you don’t flat lay??

I’m a planner. Planning and making arrangements is my thing. I had all the details worked out and that kept my nervous energy busy. But there were so many things I couldn’t control. The weather, the fact that I had to get the bus at 5:15 AM and didn’t start until 10:40. Or that the logistics of how to get into the Grandstand seating for Jeff and the boys didn’t make any sense. I’m telling you all this “extra” worry kept me from thinking about running the largest marathon in the world. That is until I sat myself down along the Verrazano Bridge and took in the grandness of the experience. Listening to music I looked around at all the other folks about to embark on the same crazy experience of running five bridges and five Burroughs through New York. What was I thinking?? Primarily I was thinking how am I going to find Jeff and the boys at the finish so we see each other after they wait so long for me to finish. Not for a minute did it cross my mind that I wouldn’t finish. Crazy in hindsight- but also at about mile 20 when my hamstrings hurt so badly that running was a challenge- but we will get there.

I started out with the 4 hour pace group. Running sub four was my goal. It felt realistic. Felt- because I may have underestimated the hills on the course a tad bit. I felt healthy to start, I was fueling and hydrating appropriately and had a solid first half. Even chatting with the others in the pace group. Then I had to stop to go to the bathroom and lost my pace group. I had to work to regain my mojo a little bit. I enjoyed the camaraderie of running with a pace group for the first time. Plus now I had to do a better job of monitoring my pace since I was on my own. I remain completely blown away at the number of people who came out to support the marathon. I’m talking that some sections of the race were practically single file runners because the streets were full of people. While this amazing energy is profound for me, it was also a little unsettling. I’m not a huge fan of big crowds. Are you laughing- because I was running with 30,000 people? Yeah, I’m laughing too. But anyway, there was a stretch that was so congested with people that it really took me off guard. I felt claustrophobic and actually tried to put my headphones on to get into my own zone for a little bit. Shocker- it was actually too loud with all the people. Trust me- this is a blessing in comparison to the dreaded Queensborough Bridge. While I knew there was this quiet stretch coming I underestimated how long that damn bridge was going to feel when all you could here were feet. While the elevation gain is not the same as the Verrazano Bridge it…was…HARD. For the first time I had this little piece of doubt creep into my brain. Was I going to finish what I came here to do?

Mantras are important to me. So I dug deep literally and remembered that “I run for those who can’t” and damn it “I can do hard things!” My hard was short lived. The hard of those suffering for Alzheimer’s doesn’t get to come and go. When I started this marathon quest it was to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of my dad. My Dad lost his battle with Alzheimer’s in August so the marathon became even more meaningful. I know he was with me the whole way- but seriously dad I could have used a little help around mile 20 when my hamstrings knotted up so tightly that I again wasn’t quite sure I could in fact finish what I had come to start. When I finally got off that damn Queensborough Bridge I saw my friend from HS who I in fact haven’t seen since HS. She came out to support me that day and seeing her couldn’t have come at a better time!! Seeing the other folks out there in their Alzheimer’s Association singlets was awesome too. While the race is personal and individual, we were still running as part of a team. I’m not going to lie- I knew that there was a cheer zone for the Alzheimer’s Association and I had committed it to memory but somewhere along the Queensborough Bridge anything I had committed to memory left my brain. Until I started hearing tons of shouting from our cheer zone. Thanks to my Alzheimer’s Association friends for the support along the way. I honestly don’t remember what mile that was- but I love that you were there!!

I feel like my face says it all- so very tired but so happy at the same time!!

Pregnant women joke about pregnancy brain- I’m here to tell you marathon brain is a real thing as mine became mush. Another fun example of that would be when all of a sudden in my headphone I heard “hello.” It was my sister. Me: “Did you call me?” Ashley: “No, I texted and then you called.” She had been texting me all morning along with other friends and family who were following along on the tracker. That “crowd” support also meant so much. So here I was in Central Park with less than two mile to go delirious getting water and Gatorade saying to my sister- “Yeah I’m not so sure I can do this.” Now really, I knew that if I had to I would have crawled from that spot and I could finish. But man, my hamstrings hurt so darn badly. Shortly after I ran into that same friend again. I was on the far right side and she was on the left side- and I basically did a crazy car lane change across the traffic to give her a big hug for coming out. Basically I had been thinking about the fact that I should have stopped when I saw her the first time to thank her and here she was giving me another chance. A little more than a mile to go. Out of the park and onto Central Park South and then back into the park again. At this point I was kind of doing a run walk combination. No matter what I did I couldn’t quite loosen up my hamstrings. I was well aware that my four hour marathon dream died somewhere along the Queensborough Bridge (notice I’m not a fan). But I was the only one who cared about that silly time goal. My people- my husband, and two sons waiting at the finish line could careless what time I finished- just that I finished. Up to Columbus Circle we came- and back into the park. It wouldn’t be long now. We had walked the finish the day before so I knew there was one incline, but I also knew they had it marked. 800 to go. 400 to go. 200 to go and there are my boys jumping up and down, ringing their cowbells with huge smiles on their faces. In that moment it was if we were the only ones there as we connected and then I went the final 100 to cross the finish line of my first “real” marathon. Final time 4:18:55.

I’m not going to lie, the walk back to the hotel was the longest walk of my entire life. Thirteen blocks felt like thirteen miles. I slowly but surely put one foot in front of the other and made my way back. All I wanted was a hot bath, champagne and pizza!! All of which were quickly arranged. The perfect end to the perfect marathon- and the perfect weekend. I would be remiss if I didn’t again say thank you to all the friends, family and strangers who donated to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor/memory of my dad. Another huge thank you for the support in the months…years leading up to the big day. I promise a small break in marathon talk for a bit. To my co-workers who supported me, made me signs and surprised me with a celebratory lunch- I appreciate you all so very much. And the biggest thank you to my amazing husband who supports my crazy ideas- encourages me to do my best, while at the same time take pause and realize that my expectations might be a little much- and who entertained our two boys for 5 hours so they could have front row seats to see me finish. I am truly blessed!!

So, what’s next? There’s always a next, right? Shockingly to my boys I took off all of this week and haven’t run since Sunday. It’s not that I don’t feel good. I actually feel great. I’m just recognizing the awesome thing my body accomplished and giving it a little bit of grace. But then I’ll be back it. Slow and steady to finish up 2021. With my sights on a new big goal in 2022. I’ll continue to raise awareness and advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association. Check out what’s next for 2022! Psst….See you in Bean Town in October!!

A week to go- two years in the making

Two years ago I was in New York City for training for work. I had just come off my first half marathon. Running a marathon had not crossed my mind. But, then I saw the City preparing for one of the largest marathons in the world. And a thought crept into my mind, maybe just maybe I should…could run the NYC Marathon. If you know me, once a thought has entered my brain, I’m going to research the heck out of it and do it. I hadn’t even been running for a year at this point and as I said, literally just finished running my first half marathon. Yet, during my run from my hotel to Central Park it became clear to me that I would run the New York City Marathon. Shortly, thereafter I learned that you could register to run by fundraising for various charities, including the Alzheimer’s Association. At the time my father was years into his battle with Alzheimer’s and the thought of fundraising and running for the Alzheimer’s Association gave my running new purpose. I quickly became acquainted with the woman who organized the charity race entries for the Alzheimer’s Association and marked my calendar for when I could register. This friends is how my quest to run the NYC Marathon began….in October of 2019. In March of 2020, March 8th to be specific I actually registered for the 2020 NYC Marathon. I was beyond excited, until like all other major races the marathon was canceled.

So here we are the end of October 2021, two years later and one week away from the 2021 New York City Marathon. God love my husband who has lived the ups and downs of the stress of this whole process- of registering, the sadness of the race being canceled, the questions of whether I would be able to run this year when the marathon was canceled in 2020. That’s not even going into the amount of marathon talk that has been going on over the last few months. Holy cow- what would normally be a twelve week training cycle has basically been 24 months. It is hard to believe that I’m eight days away from running the race that I have been mentally and physically preparing for the last two years. Many have asked “how are you doing?” The answer is simple- I know I’m physically ready. I know mentally I can go the distance. BUT, I know full well I’m going to be a bundle of emotions. The experience is going to be a tad bit different from my solo marathon around my neighborhood that I ran last Fall. I’m eager to take in all the sights, sounds and the full marathon experience in the greatest City in America. I’m excited for the boys to see a major marathon in action. I’m also totally nervous about all the logistic details. The getting to the bus, the start line and the waiting to start. My Type A mind is on overdrive trying to anticipate all the things I “might” need. I also know full well that I’ve put all of my dad dying energy into my running and preparing for this race. So I’m going to be an emotional mess as I cross the finish line. While he won’t be here to know that I did it, I’m certain he’s going to be watching me every step of the way, that he will be the wind at my back carrying me through five Burroughs and over 5 bridges.

You too can follow along using the TCS New York City Marathon App. My bib number is 19353. Mentally I have an A and a B goal. While the big goal is to finish the damn race. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have a time goal floating around my head too. More importantly I want to take in and enjoy the entire experience. Never in my life did I think that I would run across the Verrazano Bridge?! Stay tuned for updates next week when I’ll compare my solo marathon from 2020 with the experience of running the largest post Covid marathon in NYC with 33,000 of my closest running friends.

NYC Marathon-6 weeks to go

I’m half way through my training cycle for my first in person marathon. That’s right- I ran my first marathon virtually in October of 2020 when NYC was canceled because of Covid. I had the opportunity to defer my guaranteed entry and learned that I would have the chance to run in 2021. As the marathon wasn’t run in person last year this is still the 50th running of the NYC marathon. This is what I wanted. I wanted to run the 50th Anniversary year- I wanted to run for my 40th birthday (which was in January), so I guess I’m just extending the birthday fun. When this adventure began it was to honor my Dad, by running and fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Association. Less than two month ago my dad lost his battle with Alzheimer’s. So now I run to honor his memory. I was already a bundle of emotions, when I ran virtually last year, but now my emotions are on overdrive.

I’ve been cautiously optimistic as I started my training cycle that the marathon will go off as scheduled. The closer we get to November 7 and the further I get into my training cycle the more optimistic I am that the marathon will happen and I will really toe the line in Staten Island. Things suddenly became very real this past weekend. I had my first longer run (12 miles) at marathon pace. My biggest challenge when running an in person race is to keep my cool at the start and not go out too hard. I imagine I am not alone with that “problem.” There’s so much adrenaline at the start of race- the excitement of running with others- the support along the route to keep going. I’m not sure I can even begin to fully appreciate what it is going to feel like on race day morning. So here I am six weeks to race day and in full freak out mode. I’m trying to anticipate all the things- what is it really going to be like to wait in the starting village for HOURS? What is the weather going to be like? What throw down items of clothing should I pack? Should I get arm sleeves/warmers? How much water should I carry? How am I going to make sure my phone stays charged? What if my watch battery dies? Will the new Apple Watch come out in time?? What in the world is my family going to do all that time while they wait for me? What am I going to want for dinner when I’m done? We would really go back and cheer on the other runners after I finish. This is just a sample of all the practical questions and thoughts running through my mindI’m thinking about. This isn’t even taking into account all of the emotions- I cried last year as I went out to run by myself. I can’t imagine the emotion as I begin to cross the Verrazano Bridge! Forget about when I see my family and enter the park to finish. This is not a DNF situation. Come hell or high water I will cross the finish line! That said- no pressure right??

I’m also in that window where staying healthy is key. There’s not much time for illness or injury to happen and get fully better without derailing this portion of the training. Granted if I accepted the idea that my only goal should be to finish- I could pack in the training now and know that I could finish a marathon. But I don’t want to “just finish.” I want to enjoy the experience. I want to take in the entire experience and I want to honor my father’s memory with each and every step. Again…no pressure! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the unwavering support I get from my amazing husband. But for him believing in me, helping with the boys and making sure they were always there to cheer me on I couldn’t do it. I’m truly blessed and grateful.

I looked back at my posts from my last training cycle and felt grateful that I took the time to blog each week about that week’s runs. This weekend after my 12 miler the outside of my left knee feels funny- sore, tight. This isn’t a new pain, just a pain I haven’t had for a while. So I went back to my notes. It actually was’t until week 10 of training that this same knee pain popped up last year, but much worse- like couldn’t run much worse. I opted to lift this morning rather than do my scheduled run. Experience gives you a lot of things- when it comes to training it gives you the confidence to modify your running plan to listen to your body and hopefully avoid a more serious injury. We shall see what tomorrow brings as I go for a nice and easy few miles on the treadmill. Knock wood this go round, I’ve managed to avoid the nagging hip pain that plagued me through most of the last marathon training cycle. That said, I’ve fallen into the same trap of focusing on the miles and letting the cross training/lifting go. The last two weeks I’ve been a little bit better and added one lifting day. Core and strength training are really just as important as the miles so it’s important to make the time to get both the miles and the strength training done!

So what will the next six weeks bring?? Lots and lots of overthinking just about everything. Talking to my friend, Suzy of RunLIftMomPod, who will talk me off the wall and give me some helpful pointers. I will select an outfit…and a backup. I’ll commit to shoes, socks, waist pack- the whole nine yards, while likely packing back ups of everything. Deep down I know I can do it, I just need to get over not controlling the logistics and go with it. I can only prepare so much- the other pieces will fall into place. I will trust my training. I will take in the experience. Less than 40 days until the NYC Marathon!! On your mark, get set- GO!!!